our crossed paths | jww.

fourteen.

'Jeon Wonwoo's Studio confirmes identity of daughter, will take legal action for the leak,'

The next day, the internet was ablaze with Wonwoo's name splashed across nearly every media outlet. After he and his team confirmed Ahrin's identity through an official statement and took legal action against the teacher who leaked the information, the news spread like wildfire.

Netizens couldn't believe what they were reading.

Along with the statement, more pictures of the little girl were leaked, with many remarking how she was the spitting image of her late mother.

Some newer fans, who had only recently come to admire Wonwoo, were shocked to discover that he had been married at all.

Jiwoo, with some time left before her shift ended, found herself scrolling through the comments when Seokmin arrived earlier than expected for his scheduled call time.

"Ji, I brought you coffee," Seokmin said, holding out a paper bag. Jiwoo looked up from her phone, momentarily distracted from the chaos on her screen.

"Oh, thanks. Definitely needed this after handling all those babies crying in unison." Jiwoo sighed, gratefully accepting the iced americano and taking a long sip.

"Were you reading about Ahrin's articles just now?" Seokmin asked, his tone careful.

"Yup. I guess she's officially in the public eye now." Jiwoo offered a small, bittersweet smile.

"Did Wonwoo hyung change her school?"

Before Jiwoo could respond, Eunji, who had been nearby, perked up. "Wonwoo hyung? Do you know him, Dr. Lee?"

Seokmin turned to her casually, "Yeah, kind of."

Jiwoo shot him a look—one that clearly pleaded for discretion. Seokmin immediately caught on and smoothly redirected the conversation.

"Anyway, Ji, you look tired. Maybe take it easy for the rest of the shift, yeah?"

Jiwoo exhaled slowly as Seokmin moved the conversation along, grateful for his quick thinking. Still, a nagging thought crept into her mind.

Why was she being so secretive? It wasn't like she had anything going on with Wonwoo... right?

Knowing him personally wasn't a crime, after all. But rumors spread fast, especially in a hospital, and keeping this discreet felt like the safest option.

Seokmin's earlier question lingered in her mind. How was Ahrin today? Did she end up going to school?

Unable to shake the curiosity, Jiwoo decided to message Wonwoo.

Her heart fluttered slightly as she typed, still feeling oddly flustered after their teasing conversation the day before.

But a text was harmless... right?

Jiwoo: Did you send Ahrin to school today?

She didn't expect an immediate reply. In fact, she was almost relieved when she got pulled back to work.

"Dr. Jiwoo, the patient in bed 53 needs assistance!" a nurse called out.

"On it," Jiwoo said, pocketing her phone and heading to the wards.

She shook off the flutter of nerves as she walked, reminding herself to stay professional. Still, a part of her—the part that could get bold behind a screen but shy in person—was curious how he'd respond.

Jiwoo made her way to bed 53, where a young boy, around 17 years old, lay post-surgery.

His face was pale, his eyes half-lidded from fatigue, but there was a flicker of awareness as he noticed Jiwoo approaching.